How to paint a metal shed?

You need to prime with exterior oil based primer, then finish in exterior paint. Use a paint sprayer if you can

Kathy, I successfully painted an aluminum camper exterior. It has held up for nearly two years through hail storms and wind and rain, sleet, snow, you name it and it has not shown any damage.

First we sanded with fine sand paper and/or green nylon scrubby to remove loose paint, debris and oxidation. Then we washed it with TSP. Any patches of bare metal we primed with Rustoleum ALUMINUM primer (different than regular primer.)

For the paint, we used PPG DTM full acrylic enamel. (DTM = direct to metal) We applied with an hvlp and used some floetrol in the mix..

As I mentioned, it has performed exceptionally well. Our only problem was the temperature of the metal surface. We were working on it in July and the metal surface was exceeding 120 degrees even though the air temps were in the 70-80s. This affects the sheen of the finish. Surface should be no more than about 85.

Hey Kathy, I recommend Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel Paint. It's tough and is made to be rust and corrosion resistant. I also recommend using Rust-Oleum Flat Rusty Metal Primer first. The primer isn't 'absolutely' needed, but in my experience worth the time and money. I live in Japan and Rust-Oleum is one of the few foreign brands you'll find in local Home Centers. The stuff is that good, especially on metal!

Great Ideas! A small expense to buy the paint(s). But cheaper then buying a bring new shed. Now to think about a color